Chapter 32
Not be as black...
Teyla Emmagan more and more nervous with every moment of flight to the planet's surface, which was hiveship the Grey Council.
And when the freighter finally settled in the hangar, she almost stopped breathing.
In her mind still swirled thinking about all those Queens, before which she will have to stand... alone.
Nine of the oldest and strongest mind, as told Mo. Each of them with no problem stormed to her mind, broke her resistance... not to mention all of them together.
Therefore, the plan had to be as close as possible the ideal... her acting had to be as close as possible the ideal Queen of the Wraith.
But the thought of the Grey Council frightened her more than anything else before...
She shuddered when someone put a gentle hand on her hand.
She glanced aside, to see a peaceful and serene face Moonlight. At this point it was for her like view of the sun's rays piercing through the thick storm clouds.
"Breathe. Slowly and calmly "- said Mo, and her sonorous voice rang out in the mind of Teyla.
The woman took a deep breath and tried to calm down quickly knocking at her breasts heart.
"Slowly... Evenly" - went on a female this same gentle and reassuring tone. - "Calm down your heart and clear mind... Think about something pleasant... Relax... Think, that this meeting is... with old friends."
Emmagan snorted under her breath, which attracted the attention of other Wraith sitting in the hold of passenger transport.
- Old friend? - repeated Teyla
Mo bared her teeth in a wide smile.
- But it helped you... It's a good sign - she said calmly and stood up.
Athozian woman got up from her seat and looked in the direction of departure from the ship, again taking a deep breath.
"Do not worry. I'll be with you all the time "- added Mo and again smiled gently.
Teyla was not sure if it's a trick Wraith, or simply charm the female, but her words and glances work at her calming.
Freighter hatch fell down, and two organic plate slid in front of them slowly, letting to inside a bright light.
Steelflower closed little her eyes. She expected, that they will land in the hangar, inside the station, but meanwhile they were outside.
She glanced up. Above them hung a large, arched roof, supported by six massive columns. It was under him landed their ship.
Going up the ramp, she looked around quickly. On the side she saw extensive beach, located in the foothills steepest mountain, in which was clinging the Council station - much larger, than those which they have seen so far, she observed. The planet, according to what told her Mo, had a mild, slightly tropical climate, as indicated by the surrounding plants. Light but refreshing breeze from the ocean touched her hair.
Starburst wanted to say something, but Moonlight silenced him one short glance.
"Do not stress her" - she almost growled in his mind.
Emmagan looked ahead. A few meters from the gangplank was waiting for them Tracker together with a group of soldiers. Sheppard's first thought on their view, was the memory of a similar situation from the days, when Todd was negotiating to join several hive to the fleet having attack a replicators planet. Then the soldiers immediately fired to them from their stunners... But now they were just standing, like a welcoming committee - which indeed they were, as explained them beforehand Starburst. His lack, any arriving here Queen, would take for the offense.
And yet the colonel felt a bit uncomfortable at the sight of the armed groups of masked Wraith warriors.
Trying to control his anxiety, he looked beyond them, for a long, well sheltered string organic columns, leading directly to the station.
Wraith Commander stepped forward and bowed formally young Queen, as soon as she stepped off the gangplank.
- Welcome to Nomatros - he said, and glanced at standing for females three Wraith, smiling corner of his mouth. - This way - he pointed the way a hand gesture.
Steelflower followed him, and the moonlight beside her. Only now, looking at everything from between the colonnades, Emmagan was able to accurately assess the size of this place. Large, black mountain rising towards a blue sky, did equally impressive as embedded in her station, consisting of several segments: with the main, the highest located, and a few minor, forming a cascade running down. The last one was standing directly on the beach.
At the end of a long, double row of columns, which they went, stand two masked soldiers, guarding a sizeable door - they slid open in front of newcomers, letting them inside. This time they came in a huge, high-hall, where the only lighting were numerous skylights in the ceiling. And yet, they are completely sufficient to make even for the human eye had no problems in seeing the smallest elements of the structure. Throw on the floor elaborate patterns and various colors, skylights create specific delighting atmosphere of this place - like in the ancient temple, thought John. And perhaps that was the intention of those who created this place, he admit.
Somewhere in the dim light the farthest corners of the hall, per number of columns, Steelflower saw two people, who stopped for a moment, looking at the group with a clear interest. Dressed in colorful costumes women, probably were one of the worshipers serving Wraith at this station, she thought.
- All the time straight - said Mo, pointing gesture of her head the wide and long corridor in front of them.
Its arched ceiling also buttress numerous, tall columns, whose additional function was lighting him pale-yellow light. Here, natural light breaking through the skylights in the hall dome, does not reach.
They went deeper into the mountains.
Trucker equalized with a Starburst.
- Your presence I understand... but why those two? - he asked, glancing at the other two.
- Skyfall is the First of Moonlight... and Skywalker is Queen Blade... Is not it obvious why they are here?
- Skywalker? - he repeated, as if slightly surprised. - I thought he was dead after the attack New Lanteans on Abyss.
- One of the three survivors - Commander muttered. - He returned to the Mo hive with Skyrim... You guess why? - he added with a sneer.
- Retrovirus - now he muttered. - Most of the hive would not accepted them.
- Exactly... But for the Moonlight crew is not so hard accept new... misfits.
- Yes, I know - he snorted lightly. - All of their crew is quite a motley... outcasts - he hesitated slightly before using the word. - But I have heard, that they are doing quite well... Especially nowadays.
- Maybe this... "motley misfits" it was not such a bad idea - said the Starburst. - A different look at situations sometimes is beneficial in difficult times.
- Yes... perhaps - he muttered, and then looked back. - Skywalker, you say? Raptor told me a lot about you... Apparently you're as fast as he is.
Sheppard held his breath for a second.
- Now, a little less... retrovirus unfortunately left its mark - it was the first answer what came to his mind.
- I guess... But do not worry. Maybe one day all of us it waiting - he added mysteriously.
- I… do not understand - he said slowly, surprised as much as the other two Wraiths.
- Do not be so surprised - Tracker said, as if amused. - It's never did not pass through your mind? Our feeding grounds are shrinking at an alarming rate, because are is too much. In addition, this Hoffans plague... On some hiveship the officers feed on the soldiers to survive... Alternative food sources is one big fairy tale, because no animal is able to meet our nutritional needs as humans... So, soon we may have no choice like just get rid of... this - he raised his hand with a slit nutrition.
- You are trying to approach us what we think about this? - asked suspiciously Skyfall.
- If it was such, I'd do it in a more discreet way - the officer assured him, glancing over his shoulder. - You think, that I do not know on what you are working on Invention? It's no secret also to the Council... You forget that Clearcut is one of the Oldest and I assure you, that he conducted his research long before than he came on your hive...
Tracker paused, stopping suddenly, when Mo replace him the road.
- You not persuade me, that the Council told gather all those Wraith on Invention? - she said calmly.
Wraith smiled slightly.
- Do you not think, my dear, that the name of your hive is adequate to what you do there? - he asked calmly.
- But why? - she was surprised, shaking her head slightly.
- With one simple reason: the stagnation, into which we have fallen over the last millennium... Before the war, we have developed with each generation... But after... Well, you can see yourself - he said. - In order to survive, we need to change... Just look on Technicians. Since the outbreak of the Civil War, they have reached more, than we did in the past thousands of years... That's why more and more often they... - he did not know what words to use.
- Kick our butts? - Mo finished for him with a hint of irony.
- Yeees... It's a very appropriate term - he admitted, slightly amused. - Do not forget, that THEY ALL lived before the war, when our way of thinking was a bit... different. That is why they perceive a threat much better than the younger generation.
- And survival instinct is stronger than anything - Moonlight added.
- Exactly - he agreed with her and glanced at Teyla. - Your way of thinking is also different, than most of the Wraith... That is why you so well handle yourself in these difficult times - he added.
- Contentious issue - muttered female.
He smiled slightly, and he wanted to say something, when in the depths of the corridor he saw the approaching person.
Mo looked in the same direction, and after her the others.
In their towards walked one of the Queens.
She was of medium height, wearing a black and white dress. Even her hair of different lengths were in the same colors.
"This is Whiteraven" - Mo announced Teyla.
The woman looked at her in surprise, angle of her eye.
Whiteraven, one of the First Hatching from the First Generation, and one of the First Nine Mothers... the only one who lived to those times, like said her Moonlight... Unless you not take into account rumors about Destiny, which apparently spends most of her time in the hibernation chamber.
Whiteraven - the head of the Grey Council.
Emmagan stated, that the Queen does not look as scary as she had expected... and even on the contrary. But she also met Mo grandmother, which at the beginning was as unpleasant as all the Wraiths Queens with whom she was dealing so far. But with time she seemed to... mellowed. And even began to refer to people without typical Wraith contempt. Without arrogance.
- Moonlight, my dear - said the Queen, spreading her arms and hugged her tight. - I've missed for you.
- Welcome, Milady... It's a fact, we long time no see - she admitted.
- Because you did not visit me - she pointed to her.
- I was a little... busy - said young female and pointed to Teyla. - This is Steelflower.
Athozian woman nodded her head slightly. Mo told her, that normally she should not do that... but a meeting with the Council, or any of Oldest Queens, is something else. Such a gesture is actually indicated. It means to show respect.
- ... Yes, yes, I know my dear - Queen waved her hand, interrupting her telepathic presentation. - Let's keep those unnecessary conventions... You just call me Raven - she added with a slight smile.
Emmagan looked surprised at Moonlight. Not on this a female preparing her for the last days.
But she just shrugged her shoulders slightly, also surprised.
The Queen walked past them and started to look closely at other Wraiths.
- You probably I do not know - she said.
- This is Skywalker... My Blade... and Skyfall apprentice - explained quickly Teyla.
- Skywalker!... On Mother Iratus, how you grew up! - she said with a smile. - Well, but the last time, when I saw you, you've had... twelve years? - it was rather a rhetorical question. The Queen looked at Teyla. - So, now he's your Blade - she repeated with a strange tone and smiled broadly. - Hmm... You have good taste, my dear - she began to circle slowly Sheppard.
Emmagan eyes widened, surprised by her words.
- Too bad... If not this, I'd steal him for you... Although the Raptor probably would not be happy - has added amused Whiteraven, tracing her fingers over Sheppard's arm and then she looked at the other Wraiths. - And you still watching our little Mo? - she asked.
- Yes, Milady - Commander nodded his head slightly.
- That's good - she patted him lightly on the shoulder. - Someone has to keep an eye on her... so she does not packed up in trouble, as her uncle - she said with a note of irony, passing by the Starburst and throwing him a meaningful glance furtively. - Come on. The others are waiting... And they let take care of their matters - she has added, glancing one last time at John with a smirk on her lips, then walked down the corridor.
Moonlight shook her head in amusement and followed her with Teyla.
Sheppard looked at Skyfall, once again surprised by what he saw and heard.
- Do not think too much - said the officer calmly and looked at him, amused. - She likes to make others embarrassed... especially the young - he explained and started walking to the nearest transporter.
Sheppard caught up with him, leaving behind two older officers.
- She is from Council? - he whispered.
- Yes. She leads her... This is Whiteraven - he said in a whisper. - She is the one of the First Nine Mothers.
- You say, that she is one of the first Wraiths? - she threw surprised, barely keeping his voice hushed.
Skyfall smiled corner of his mouth.
- Yes - he replied briefly and came to the transporter.
- She keeps itself very well, like on eleven thousand years - he said.
The officer did not comment on his words.
They waited only until the other two join to them and he started the transport beam.
A similar beam transporting materialized three Wraiths females on the platform in the Hall of Nine.
Was a large, oblong, and through its center led a double series of tall columns, which also served as lighting. Teyla looked high up at the ceiling, which seemed to support the giant ribs. Ceiling gently shimmered like a clear, night sky in the middle of summer, full of stars.
Whiteraven led them to the opposite end of the room, where there were other Queens, talking.
There was also a nine-thrones, on one common platform in the shape of the light curve, and each of them was ornaments resembling the structure backbones of the giant creatures, crowned with effigy of Iratus - nine thrones and nine Iratus like the First Nine Mothers, explained her on Atlantis Moonlight, when she told Teyla about this room.
A woman had to admit, that this hall really do an big impression… The more it had to make a big impression on a small child, which was Mo, when she went here for the first time, she thought.
Young Wraith female recalled one of those days. She was then about ten years old, when her mother again took her to a meeting with the Council of the Wraiths. But this time Nightwind took with her Minarea and her daughter, in order to a woman had guarded unruly Mo. Queen preferred not to risk, that her daughter will again wandered through the technical ducts along with a team of Hives Healer, as the last time.
Then the transport beam also take her and Lyli on the platform in the Hall of the Nine. But then the room was completely empty…
.
"…They look around quickly and Mo happily moved center of the room toward the thrones.
- Are you sure, that we can come here? - Lyli whispered, scared.
The stories about the Nine Queens, scared her more than anything else. They frightened even Wraiths, let alone about a small human girl.
- Yes. Raven allow me - she said calmly and ran to the thrones, sitting on the middle one. She wriggle a little on him and patted the seat. - Come, sit down - she encouraged a Lyli.-
And if they catch us?
- But I tell you, that Raven has allowed me to sit here - assured her Mo.
Happy, girl smiled and sat down next to her.
Sometimes, when Nightwind not seen, they played in her throne room, alternately playing the roles of the Queen and her Commander. But it was not a Nightwind hive, only the Grey Council Hall... The girl felt as if her heart was to jump out of her chest, when excited and terrified at the same time thinking, what would happen if someone found them here, she sitting next to her Wraith-sister on the throne of the most important Wraith Queen .
- My dad told me, that long time ago, sat on this throne the First Mother… Light in Darknes - Mo explained her human sister. - And after her, Guide, who led the Council during the Great War. But after her death, the remaining Queens chosen on it place Osprey, and my grandmother came to the Council as the ninth.
- But now this is Whiteraven throne?
- Yes. Only she remained with the all First Mothers, and with the death of another of them, into the Council elected another Queen… the next from the oldest.
- And your grandmother is younger than Whiteraven? - interested in Lyli.
- Yes... She is the Second Generation. She is younger than Redswan, but older than the other. The youngest is Sunrise and Darkflame...
- Why do you explain it to her - said suddenly a familiar voice.
Lyli jumped up from throne, scared, but Moonlight just got up slowly.
- She's too stupid to understand this... She's just a human - said scornfully Nightflower, stopping in front of the stairs leading to the thrones.
She was the growth of Nightwind, slim and dressed in red, airy dress with dark-golden belt adorned with the image of Iratus. Her long, dark hair with pale-red strands were combed back, and forehead tattoo adorned with numerous small spots, surrounding her whole face and running down.
- She's not stupid! - said indignantly Mo. - She's smarter than you.
Young Queen smiled condescendingly.
- A human child? - she snorted.
- She knows hiveships better than you - she pointed out to her, folding her arms across her chest with a confident expression.
Moonlight could have sworn that her half-sister until reddened with anger. She frowned, looking at her fiercely and bared her sharp teeth in an angry grimace.
- You impudent youngster - she roared furiously and with a vengeance slapped her hand in Mo face.
The girl fell to the floor at the foot of the stairs.
- Mo! - Lyli cried, frightened and immediately ran to her to see if she's all right.
But she only smiled to her, though from her lips flowed a little blood.
Lyli looked at Nightflower.
- Why you hit her? She's your sister?...
She paused, surprised at her own tone of voice. He was no longer afraid. She was angry that the young Queen treated Moonlight so badly.
- You little, miserable worm, dare lecture me? - she hissed through his teeth, moving slowly toward her with the same angry expression on his face as before.
Lyli opened her eyes wide, terrified of what might soon become, but Mo quickly jumped to her feet, standing between girl and the angry sister.
- You do not dare touch those children! - order from the back of the room another female voice.
Nightflower turned, startled, looking at going in the direction of the Queen... One of the Grey Council... Silentnight - Nightstorm foster sister.
Her long, dark blue dress gleamed softly like the sky in the quiet night, full of stars, and her silver hair was like the moon in full. But her face was not so calm.
She stopped in front of a young female, measuring her an unpleasant look.
"I hope that you will never have offspring... Because if, I right now start to pity of them… You do not have a even little compassion for children"- she hissed in her mind.
Abasement Nightflower in in the presence of children would be a bad idea.
And that was enough, that Mo probably guessed, that the older Queen chastises her half-sister. And if this little, fire-hair human girl is clever, also she guess it, thought Silentnight.
"There are impudent..."
"Rather they told the truth" - interrupted firmly Queen. - "I do not know after who you are like that, because even your father is not as impulsive as you... And was enough reorientate although some of that animosity toward your education and now you do not have to completely rely on their officers."
Moonlight looked at her sister hands, which is clenched fists in anger. And then a young female just came out, angry...
Mo think, that she never seen her sister so angry... but at least once she acted wisely: she not dare to face the old Queen, what could cost her a lot... very much.
Silentnight looked calmly at the two girls.
- Annoy your sister is not the best idea - she said with a slight smile.
- I know - almost murmured Mo. - But she is sometimes so... so...
- ... Sassy? - unexpectedly finished another Queen.
They looked in her direction.
Amongst the column this time come out Sunrise. Her long, fluffy fiery hair with a few silver wisps, were partially clipped the back of the head, and dark russet coat fluttered slightly as she walked calmly towards them. The Queen looked at the girls, stopping sight on Lyliana.
- So, this is that your little friend, about which you so much told us recently - she said calmly, staring at the child, who curtsied slightly awkwardly in front of her.
The Wraith female smiled, slightly amused and slightly nodded her head, which further abash little Lyli.
Since she live on the Wraiths hive, others worshipers taught her, that the Queens are proud and haughty. That rarely pleasing to his followers, usually treating them like air... But these here, to her great surprise, were completely different, than in people stories. In a quiet, fair... and even nice. The girl felt very disoriented. She did not know how to behave. So far, she knew only one Queen, Mo mother, whose behavior was similar to that of the Queens, although sometimes exploded with anger. But even she instructed her before arrival here, to avoid the Queens of the Grey Council Wraith, because they may not be as forgiving as she...
But now it seemed that she was wrong.
- What's so irritate your sister? - Sunrise asked little Mo.
- I told Lyli about First Mothers... and about the Council - she explained. - But she said that, Lyli is too
stupid to understand this, because she is human.
- Really? - said a little strange tone. - And what do you think?
Moonlight glanced at her friend.
- That Lyli is very smart - she said, although with a slight hesitation. - We learn together... She knows our language and language Lanteans. She even helps sometimes Sharpeye in his lab...
She stopped, when the Queen raised her eyebrow slightly, as if in surprise, looking at the human girl.
- Do you like it? - she asked calmly.
Lyli looked at her, a little scared, not knowing what to say. People warned her, that telling the Queen truth, is does not always pays.
- Do not be afraid - she added with a slight, reassuring smile Sunrise. - You speak boldly.
- Yes, Milady - she almost whispered.
Wraith female smiled broadly, as if happy and gently stroked the little girl's head.
- That's right... Continue your learning, if you like it - she said, and took her chin in his fingers. - And do not let others tell you, that you are too stupid to understand something, just because you're human.
- Yes, Milady - Lyli nodded assent head, smiling uncertainly, although the words of the Queen added her wings.
She ordinary human girl has been praised by the Queen of the Grey Council Wraith... and even encouraged to explore the secrets of their knowledge. Not that taught her people form Moonlight hiveship... "
.
...The three females stopped before the remaining eight of the Grey Council.
Teyla barely calmed her heart. She never been so nervous as now, she thought. She just hoped that THEY do not sense it.
She looked on them all quickly, recognizing few of them. Moonlight described them very well. Their appearance and their official uniforms. Some wore coats and trousers, while others preferred the dresses, but all these things were made with very delicately and beautiful, often delicate fabrics. She now understand the words of Mo about a fashion show.
Emmagan nodded her head, like a young female, and wanted to start telepathically present herself, when one of the Queens forestall her, lifting finger.
- You do not need to present yourself - said Silentnight. - So, finally you decide to visit us - she said, carefully eyeing a Emmagan, what disconcert a woman.
She did not know what to say and how to act: with pride, or submissive... She glanced nervously at the Mo, but the Queen smiled just a little corner of her mouth.
- Do not be nervous, my dear - she said calmly. - We do not bite... usually - she added with a slightly derisive smile, glancing at her when she walked in the direction of thrones.
Others followed her.
- Sit down. We will talk - added Whiteraven, pointing the place, where the floor began just split out, and from under her, emerged the next two thrones.
They were slightly smaller than those of the Council, and located only on a single platform.
Moonlight went to one of them, waiting until all Queens sit down in their places. Then she sit on this allocated for her.
Teyla did exactly the same thing. In truth Mo told her about it before they arriving here, but the jitters too much confused her, so at the moment she just do all what a young female. It gave her the confidence, that she will not make any... blunders.